Method for creation, management, and use of files containing multiple virtual data streams using standard file system APIs

Abstract

A file containing a transformation template allows a user to access system data. The transformation template can include multiple data streams for accessing different system data, or the same data in different ways. The transformation template can format system data both on read and write commands. The transformation template is accessed using the six basic file system APIs. The transformation template instructs the system as to how the system data is to be manipulated. The transformation template is saved on the file system using a write API and writing a virtual I/O command. The transformation template is then accessed. The transformation template generates the data dynamically either from a memory location or from a generating function, and formats it according to the active data stream.

I claim:  
     
       1. A method for allowing a user to access system data on a computer including a file system using file system application program interfaces (APIs), the method comprising: 
       creating a transformation template in a file that can access the system data;  
       saving the transformation template in the file on the file system;  
       opening the file containing the transformation template on the file system; and  
       accessing the system data through the transformation template on the file system.  
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1  wherein accessing the system data includes reading the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 1  wherein accessing the system data includes writing the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       4. A method according to  claim 1  wherein the transformation template includes multiple data streams for accessing the system data. 
     
     
       5. A method according to  claim 1  wherein saving the transformation template includes using the file system APIs to save the transformation template to the file on the file system. 
     
     
       6. A method according to  claim 5  wherein using the file system APIs includes specifying that the transformation template is to be saved to the file without processing. 
     
     
       7. A computer-readable medium containing a program to allow a user to access system data on a computer including a file system using file system APIs, the program comprising: 
       creation software to create a transformation template in a file that can access the system data;  
       saving software to save the transformation template in the file on the file system;  
       opening software to open the file containing the transformation template on the file system; and  
       accessing software to access the system data through the transformation template on the file system.  
     
     
       8. A computer-readable medium containing a program according to  claim 7  wherein the accessing software to access the system data includes reading software to read the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       9. A computer-readable medium containing a program according to  claim 7  wherein the accessing software to access the system data includes writing software to write the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       10. A computer-readable medium containing a program according to  claim 7  wherein the transformation template includes multiple data streams for processing the system data. 
     
     
       11. A computer-readable medium containing a program according to  claim 7  wherein the saving software to save the transformation template includes using software to use the file system APIs to save the transformation template to the file on the file system. 
     
     
       12. A computer-readable medium containing a program according to  claim 11  wherein the using software to use the file system APIs includes specification software to specify that the transformation template is to be saved to the file without processing. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus for a program to allow a user to access system data on a computer including a file system using file system APIs, the system comprising: 
       a creating unit to create a transformation template in a file that can access the system data;  
       a saving unit to save the transformation template in the file on the file system;  
       an opening unit to open the file containing the transformation template on the file system; and  
       an accessing unit to access the system data through the transformation template on the file system.  
     
     
       14. An apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the accessing unit to access the system data includes a reading unit to read the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       15. An apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the accessing unit to access the system data includes a writing unit to write the system data through the transformation template contained in the file on the file system. 
     
     
       16. An apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the transformation template includes multiple data streams for accessing the system data. 
     
     
       17. An apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the saving unit to save the transformation template includes a using unit to use the file system APIs to save the transformation template to the file on the file system. 
     
     
       18. An apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the using unit to use the file system APIs includes a specification unit to specify that the transformation template is to be saved to the file without processing.